How Much Does a Yard of Dirt Weigh?
A cubic yard of dirt weighs about 2,000 to 2,200 pounds dry, around 1 ton, and noticeably more when wet, up to 3,000 pounds. Topsoil and fill dirt differ slightly. This weight matters for hauling and for how much a truck can carry. The table below shows common amounts for planning delivery.
| Cubic yards | Weight (lb) | Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2100 | 1.05 |
| 2 | 4200 | 2.1 |
| 5 | 10500 | 5.25 |
| 10 | 21000 | 10.5 |
Get your exact number
Calculate your exact amount with the dirt calculatorWhy Does Dirt Weight Vary So Much?
Dirt weight varies because moisture and composition change the density a lot. Dry topsoil is around 2,000 pounds per cubic yard, but saturated dirt can reach 3,000 pounds or more as water fills the spaces between particles. Fill dirt with clay or rock is heavier than loose topsoil. This is why hauling estimates use a range, and why a truck's load is limited by weight as much as volume for wet soil.
How Many Yards of Dirt Can a Truck Carry?
A standard dump truck carries about 10 to 14 cubic yards of dirt by volume, but weight can be the real limit: at roughly 1 ton per cubic yard dry, and more when wet, a full load of wet dirt may hit the truck's weight capacity before its volume capacity. This is why suppliers ask whether dirt is wet. The calculator helps you size the volume; ask the supplier about load limits.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a yard of dirt weigh?
- About 2,000 to 2,200 pounds dry, around 1 ton, and up to 3,000 pounds when wet.
- Does wet dirt weigh more?
- Yes, much more. Saturated dirt can reach 3,000 pounds per cubic yard or more as water fills the spaces between particles.
- How many yards of dirt in a dump truck?
- About 10 to 14 cubic yards by volume, though weight can be the limit for wet dirt.